Birmingham's Craig Gardner denies trying to hurt Cesc Fabregas

02 April 2010 03:26

Birmingham midfielder Craig Gardner insists he would never try to injure another player after morning reports suggested his tackle led to Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas breaking his leg.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger claimed that Gardner had produced a 'bad tackle' on the Spanish star during last weekend's 1-1 Barclays Premier League draw at St Andrew's.

But referee Howard Webb, who was only a couple of yards away from the first-half incident, waved played on and took no action against Gardner.

Battle: Gardner (right) kept a close eye on Fabregas at St Andrew's

Fabregas is now out for the rest of the season after limping out of the Champions League clash with Barcelona on Wednesday.

But reports today quoted an Arsenal source saying 'there was a suspicion that his leg was already broken going onto the pitch against Barcelona.'

Gardner said: 'If Fabregas did suffer his injury in my tackle, then I would be disappointed because I would never try to hurt anyone deliberately.

'The referee was stood only two yards away and did not even give a free-kick.

'What surprised me was that Fabregas then went and played the full game against us. I just hope he is not out of action for too long and makes a full recovery.'

Hard game: Fabregas took another knock against Barcelona

Fabregas had been set to be substituted after the Gardner tackle mid-way through the first half.

But he indicated to Wenger that he was fit enough to continue and played the full 90 minutes in a game where a late equaliser from Kevin Phillips damaged Arsenal's title hopes.

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